The power of poverty affects families, seniors, children and youth, people with disabilities, and individuals.

And the issue of poverty has a lot of myths around it. The Region of Waterloo has an excellent document dispelling some of those, you can read it right here

Poverty does not discriminate.

Sometimes poverty is circumstantial – a spouse becomes seriously ill and can no longer work, a family falls apart, or you lose your job because of downsizing.

Sometimes it is more systemic – vulnerable youth don’t graduate from high school and lack the tools needed to be successful adults, seniors living at home are isolated.

Your community needs your help to take that power away—to change the power of poverty. To change the lives of families, children, and individuals in your community.

No one person or one organization can change the power of poverty alone. It’s about building up the community so that people of all ages have the building blocks they need to succeed. We need to work together to make this change. None of it can happen without your support.

The first campaign by United Way Waterloo Region Communities is underway with a simple message from new CEO Joan Fisk.

“We need to change the power of poverty” says Fisk.

“In an area known for its collaboration and innovation” she adds “why are almost 50 thousand people living in low income situations?”

Poverty can destroy families, limit futures, and tear at our social fabric.

“It is holding back far too many people from participating in the full wealth of this community” says Fisk, “and it needs to be our first priority”

United Way Waterloo Region Communities is in a unique position to be the agent of change. Through our seats at many tables, and our collaboration with a vast range of partners we are ensuring people have the building blocks they need to succeed.

In order to achieve this goal, United Way is looking to gather 7 million dollars to support people in every corner of the region.

“It’s time to step up” says Fisk “We need to rise to our biggest challenge. It’s time to love where you live and work together to change the power of poverty”

United Way Waterloo Region Communities partners with Big Brothers, Big Sisters to provide experiences to children and youth which help them on their way to adulthood. Supporting youth allows them to build self esteem, and social skills which enhance their learning.

Meet Bradley!

Making a difference in the community begins with a thought, and that thought becomes something that can make a BIG impact.

Such was the story of Bradley’s dedication to the community. From the very beginning, Bradley wanted to actively serve and devote his time and energy to others.

Bradley was raised in Toronto, Ontario, and he eventually moved to Kitchener in the year 2008, where he worked as a firefighter for over a decade. However, Bradley wasn’t the only member in his family who lived to serve the community; his cousin was a previous volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region, serving as a Big Sister within the program (BBBSWR).

Bradley was inspired; he immediately held interest in following in his cousin’s footsteps! Soon, he was volunteering for Big Bunch, a recreation based group mentoring program.

He found joy, friendship, solidarity, and opportunity to make a difference throughout his volunteering.

“There’s so much camaraderie among all the mentors…”, he explained, “It’s a great way to get to know people and meet other people in the area.”

Like many others, Bradley wanted to put his free time to good use, and he felt that being a Mentor within Big Brothers Big Sisters was the best way to do so. Mentoring can bring so much value and meaning in everyone’s lives; those who are the mentors, and those who are being mentored. It is a method for guiding, supporting, and befriending people at any given moment.

“It’s nice to see them eventually become comfortable in a group setting,”, he recalled fondly, “…at the beginning they might be shy, but, by the end of the session that same kid will be telling you which radio station to turn the radio to.”

Nothing could be said more about the joys of having someone open up to you, while you also open up to them, in return.

When asked what he enjoyed most about being a mentor for children, he said:

“It really reminds you of growing up. It’s a great excuse to act like a kid again.”

Aside from giving back to the community, many new volunteers can gain a fresh, new set of skills! These skills can range from: problem-solving, organizational skills, leadership skills, analytical skills, and working as a team.

Bradley’s advice for those interested in volunteering is that even if you don’t know what to expect, you shouldn’t let that hold you back! Give it a shot and explore your options. The commitment varies from program-to-program, so you’re sure to find something that fits into your schedule.

“It may seem intimidating but once you get there you just kind of figure it out. Brad, the program coordinator, is a ton of help, he emails us before each session and gives us the schedule. He responds to emails quickly and you can ask him anything. You get so many materials; the whole structure is already there for you.”

Bradley’s been a Big Bunch volunteer for over 3 years, he’s currently volunteering in the Tuesday session. You could join Bradley in the Big Bunch program and help make a difference in the lives of local youth. Imagine what they could become because of you.